Somerset House ‘closed until further notice’ after fire rips through roof

Somerset House has been closed until further notice after a fire ripped through the roof of the landmark on Saturday afternoon.

Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters were deployed to the blaze which broke out on the third floor and roof of the building at around noon. 

The London fire brigade (LFB) received more than 30 calls reporting the fire.

Staff and visitors evacuated the building before firefighters arrived and no injuries were reported.

The fire was in an area of the building that was not housing any valuable art. 

Professor Mark Hallett, director of The Courtauld Institute of Art, said: “The Courtauld, including our galleries and collection of artworks, is unaffected by the fire.”

On Sunday the Courtauld Gallery was reopened to the public but the main building will remain closed until further notice as an investigation into the fire is conducted.

The fire was under control by around 6.50pm. Crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. 

Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster, who was at the scene, said: “The age and design of the building proved a challenge for crews as they initially responded. 

“As a result, four of the Brigade’s aerial ladders, including a 64 metre turntable ladder, were deployed to support firefighters as they carried out a complex and technical response. This included creating fire breaks in the roof, which has now limited the spread of flames.

“Crews have been working incredibly hard through the very hot weather and heat of the fire to protect Somerset House from further damage.”

Crews remained at the scene on Sunday. 

Somerset House in the Strand is currently used as an arts venue. The Georgian-era buildings are home to the Courtauld Gallery, an art museum that houses the collection of the Samuel Courtauld Trust, including masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. 

Pictured top: Firefighters tackle the blaze on the roof of Somerset House on Saturday afternoon (Picture: LFB)